BEIJING - China will stick to its family-planning policy in the coming decades to maintain a low fertility rate, a top population official said on Saturday at an event to mark the 30th anniversary of the country's unique policy.

The policy, which restricts most Chinese couples to one child, has reduced the fertility rate (the number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime) roughly from 6 to 2 since it was introduced in late 1970s, according to official figures.

"Historical change doesn't come easily, and I, on behalf of the National Population and Family Planning Commission, extend profound gratitude to all, the people in particular, for their support of the national course," said Li Bin, head of the commission.